Liquid-metal extraction for processing of spent fuel

✍ Scribed by A. F. Voigt; A. H. Daane; E. H. Dewell; R. G. Clark; J. E. Gonser; J. F. Haefling; K. L. Malaby

• Publisher: American Institute of Chemical Engineers
• Year: 1956
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 621 KB
• Volume: 2
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0001-1541
• DOI: 10.1002/aic.690020208

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

Plutonium and the fission products can be removed from irradiated uranium by liquidmetal extraction by use of another metal immiscible with uranium. Metals studied have been silver, cerium, and lanthanum. Plutonium removal by silver is high, by the rare‐earth metals moderate. In all cases volatile elements, including cesium, strontium, and barium, are removed. Rare earths are efficiently removed. Ruthenium and molybdenum are largely unaffected. Experiments with synthetic fuels corresponding to long burn‐up periods show improved removal of most elements. Repeated batch extractions indicate that a continuous process separating the fuel into uranium, plutonium, and fission‐product fractions could be developed.